FLINT, MI--This weekend, Courtland Center Mall is hosting live
entertainment to inspire shoppers to give to the less fortunate.

On Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at the mall, 4190 Court St., Flint, the Center Stage Dance
Academy of Flushing will perform with a roster of other dancers and musicians
to encourage shoppers to contribute to Toys For Tots.

Vertical Ambitions Dance Company, the Sweet Adeline Singers,
Barbershop Quartet, and Praise In Motion will all perform, most of them centering
around Christmas and holiday themes.

Admission is free, but donations of new toys are requested.

Center Stage founder Sandy Massey said that they the group
usually visits Genysys Hospital to perform for patients, but she wanted to take
a different approach this year.

"[Flint Toys for Tots Director] Gary Stanley told me they
had such a huge need this year, even more than in years past," Massey said. "...This
year has never been greater for families coming in for this type of assistance
so their kids can have presents for Christmas. We thought it was a worthwhile
venture."

They contacted Courtland Center, and they were open to contribute
their stage accommodations and seating arrangements for the cause.

Massey said that Toys for Tots' goal is to bring in 6,000
toys. She hopes that early notification will inspire attendees to bring gifts
to the mall with them.

"If people are just shopping in the mall, they may not have
a toy ready," she said. "If they know in advance, they can come and bring a toy
at the same time."